Community
12 April, 2024
Plea for volunteers
LIKE so many organisations across the district, Warrnambool’s Francis Foundation is sending out an urgent plea for more volunteers to ensure its future.
The foundation, which runs Alveston House on Banyan Street, relies on funds raised from its op shop in Port Fairy (along with donations from philanthropic trusts) to continue to provide accommodation and support for some of the city’s most vulnerable people.
But the op shop desperately needs more volunteers to keep the doors open.
“Alveston House has a long history and we desperately want to ensure it continues long into the future,” foundation coordinator Paul Hogan said.
“The building itself was once a nursing home but since the mid-1980s it has been used by the foundation to provide accommodation for those with a mental illness and/or are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.”
The house is currently home to 10 residents who not only benefit from a safe and warm place to sleep, but also have daily interaction with Paul and his team of volunteers who are able to put them in contact with available services locally.
“Some of our residents are long-term while others are not so long,” Paul said.
Once resident has been there for the past 23 years while another arrived only last October.
“It’s certainly not a free for all, but we do offer affordability and safety. The residents pay rent, their linen is provided and cleaned, and they all share in regular chores around the house.
“This gives them a sense of responsibility, a sense of belonging. It’s important that they feel a sense of worth.”
Paul said while the house relies on volunteers to help out, so too does the Op Shop in Port Fairy – which has become a vital source of income.
“Our op shop is small but nice. It has a range of special items and is currently open most days of the week depending on the availability of our volunteers.”
The shop, in Sackville Street, is well known for its range of clothing, small items and bric-a-brac.
The foundation currently has around 40 volunteers on its list, however the shop requires at least two volunteers for every shift.
“Forty may sound like a lot but if we want to keep the shop open up to seven days a week we certainly need more,” Paul said.
“We’re extremely grateful for any hours people may give, whether that be a three hour stint every few days, once a week, or even once a month; it all helps alleviate the pressure off our small band of active volunteers.”
One volunteer who has long donated his time and energy on a regular basis is Peter McMahon, a former psych nurse who has become a valuable part of the Alveston House ‘team.’
“This place (Alveston) really gets under your skin,” he said.
“It’s nice to come here and feel I’m doing something worthwhile. These residents are always up for a chat.
“I came here in the late 1990s, originally to support Joan (Francis, foundation founder) but after she passed away I just knew I had to keep coming. We need to do all we can to ensure both the foundation and Alveston House continues for years to come.”
Peter spends most of his days at Alveston House, talking with residents and helping them to “negotiate life’s challenges.”
“Some of these men have some real issues to contend with and I’m here with the team to help them work through those,” Peter said.
“Volunteering is so rewarding, whether that’s here at the house, in the op shop or elsewhere and I encourage everyone to do it in one form or another.”
Anyone wishing to become a volunteer with the Francis Foundation – in particular those who can spend some time volunteering in the op shop – is urged to contact Paul Hogan on 5562 5198.
